Replacing Sail Slugs and Shackles

[r.oril]

I had a big knockdown last week on my Mac 26D. All of the sail slugs except the top one broke. The original Doyle Sail has the cloth and grommet type.

I ordered all new slugs and shackles and the slugs have the metal attachments. The shackles are plastic and can be used without using the grommets. It is recommended that you replace all and insure that they are properly installed for the sail to work right.

Question: Do I use the grommets and screw the shackle through it where the old ones were?

The video shows that you can attach the shackles directly to the sail.

Question: Which would be better?

Thanks

 

[breweraz]

I have a 1991 Mac 26s with Doyle sails. I use the nylon shackles and the slugs with the metal loops. This is the way mine are attached:

The shakle's closed end go through the slugs and the open end aligns on each side of the sail's grommet. There is a small tab that positionn the shakle through the gromet. Some shakles open end clip closed, the ones i use have small screws to close the open end at the gommet. Make sure you attach them all in the same direction with the screw or snap tab entering from the same side to keep everything aligned. There is a small tab in the middle of the shackle that holds the bolt rope in place make sure you pay attention that it is positioned properly. If the shackles are not aligned the same way and the bolt rope is not positioned they will twist and bind when tying to raise the sail.

Hopefully you ordered extra. I keep two to three (shackles and sluigs) on the boat at all times.

I assume you also have the stopper (a slug with a knuled tightening nut) to hold the slugs above the mast gate. I also keep extra stoppers as I have been known to drop these when changing out a slug or shackle on the water. I keep a one attached below the gate as a spare.

Since you are replacing all of these take the opportunity to clean and inspect the spar groove. I inspect and clean mine yearly and check for any knicks that can catch or break the slugs and or shackle. A small file or emery cloth will smooth out most. I have also attached a small brush to the halyard with a retun line and run it up the spar a couple times a year to clean out dust and keep the groove clean as we leave our mast up most of the year.

I use a spray lubricant (MacD) and lightly spray on the slugs as I raise the sail.

Tim

 

[SoSound]

I've been watching the same video clips. The short segment on attaching the shackle directly to your sail is for one particular size and type of shackle, along with a comment that it is not as strong as the other snap in or screw in shackles.

Are you asking if you should attach the shackle to a web strap or metal grommet, does your sail have both? If so, that might be a matter of personal preference, except that you probably need to remove and re-sew the webbing for each new part whereas the grommets allow you to just snap or screw in the replacement part on site.

Dave

 

[r.oril]

Thanks guys,

breweraz - Thanks for the good info. I will make sure to clean and lube the track.

SoSound - The Doyle sail only came with the web shackles. I removed all of them and plan to use the plastic shackles through the grommet like breweraz.

The shackles have a screw and I will put that end in the shackle. I bought several extras to ready for the next adventure. Need to look in the PO box of goodies for an extra slug stopper.

 

[r.oril]

Slugs and Shackles arrived

The parts arrived today, I installed them using the grommets and they fit perfectly except for the battens. They are to thick. What to do?????????

I can install the slug/shackle directly to the sail on either side of the batten as in the video or I could trim the batten so that I can use the hole where the original web shackle was.

 

[breweraz]

Re: Slugs and Shackles arrived

On my 26s the mine fit at the batten with the nylon shakles. Before you trim make sure the batten is fully placed in the pocket on the leach. With the knock down you described it may have pulled out a bit.

On my H260 it is tied with cloth where the battens are located. I was told there is more pressure at that point but not sure if that is the case.

 

[r.oril]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[catsailor]

I would tend to through the plastic parts away and sew them on with 1/2" webbing.

Thanks guys,

breweraz - Thanks for the good info. I will make sure to clean and lube the track.

SoSound - The Doyle sail only came with the web shackles. I removed all of them and plan to use the plastic shackles through the grommet like breweraz.

The shackles have a screw and I will put that end in the shackle. I bought several extras to ready for the next adventure. Need to look in the PO box of goodies for an extra slug stopper.

I have had both. The plastic, in a few years, may fail dramatically, where the webbing is far less prone to that. I believe you will also see less sail wear. The PO on my current boat couldn't sew, replaced the webbing as it wore with other shackles, and it was rough on the sail and did not fit as well, specifically around the battens. If the batten is restricted too much, you can get splits (have seen this on other boats).

No way would I go straight into the cloth. Long term, that sounds shaky and wear-prone.

If the sail designer used webbing, why are we second-guessing? Sewing them is easy.


That was my expereince.